Hybrid Engine Stall Diagnostics Using Electric Motor Torque Hold

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In hybrid vehicles, when the internal combustion engine is disconnected from the wheels and driven only by an electric machine, it stalls quickly due to resistive torque, leading to loss of synchronization and incomplete diagnostics before engine stoppage, necessitating prolonged restarts and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing an electric motor to maintain the internal combustion engine's rotational speed during diagnostics by implementing a predetermined motor operating mode, allowing the diagnostics procedure to complete before engine stoppage, and adapting the engine's operation based on the diagnosis results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the internal combustion engine is disconnected from the wheels and driven only by an electric machine, then the engine stops quickly due to resistive torque, but this causes loss of synchronization and incomplete diagnostics before engine stoppage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine stopping speedVSAvoiddiagnostics completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device applies a counteracting torque through the electric machine to oppose the natural resistive torque that would cause rapid engine deceleration. This preliminary anti-action prevents the engine from stopping too quickly, maintaining rotation speed long enough to complete the diagnostics procedure and determine the nature of the anomaly before engine stoppage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Duration of action of moving object

If the engine stops quickly, then the stall phase is short, but the diagnostics procedure cannot be completed and restart time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestall phase durationVSAvoidrestart preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device initiates a maintenance phase during the stall period where the electric machine actively maintains engine rotation at a controlled speed. This preliminary action ensures that the engine remains operational long enough to complete the full diagnostics procedure, allowing the system to determine the anomaly nature and prepare an appropriate restart strategy before the engine actually stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If the electric motor maintains engine rotation during diagnostics, then diagnostics can complete on time, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostics completion timeVSAvoidenergy consumption during stall management

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device applies torque through the electric machine only to the extent necessary to maintain engine rotation at a minimum speed sufficient for diagnostics completion. Rather than maintaining full operating speed, the system applies just enough counter-torque to prevent rapid deceleration, optimizing the balance between completing diagnostics and minimizing energy consumption during the stall phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures timely completion of diagnostics, reduces energy consumption during restarts, and enables seamless transition to normal or downgraded operation, preventing abrupt stalling and improving engine management efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the management device that manages the electric motor commands the electric motor to switch to a predetermined motor operating mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12601320B2Method for managing a stall phase of an internal combustion engine associated with an electric motor

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

A method for managing a stall phase of a heat engine associated with an electric motor, when an anomaly occurs during the course of a procedure for determining the angular position of same, comprising the following steps, once the anomaly has been detected:implementation of a diagnostics procedure associated with the fault,the reading of an indicator informing as to the mechanical connection of wheels to the heat engine,if no wheel is connected to the heat engine, a management device that manages the electric motor commands the electric motor to switch to a predetermined motor operating mode,said motor operating mode is maintained for as long as the diagnostics procedure remains uncompleted, thenthe electric motor is commanded to return to the operating mode in which it was operating before being switched to the predetermined motor operating mode.